Chapter 272: The Demon Lord Junzhu's Slacking Daily Life Chapter 272: Wedding Rites Completed

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Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

This sudden sound instantly captured the attention of everyone present; all turned their gazes toward the source in unison. The arrival was none other than Eunuch Sun, the Emperor's highly favored confidant.

He hurried over with quick, mincing steps, his appearance rather comical, yet no one dared show the slightest contempt.

Seeing this, the seated An Wang and An Wangfei hastily rose to respectfully receive the imperial edict. Simultaneously, the surrounding crowd all knelt in salute, expressing their reverence for imperial authority.

However, Shangguan Xingyan alone remained seated in his chair, merely bowing slightly to show respect.

Eunuch Sun cleared his throat and began to proclaim the decree in a loud voice: "By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Today is the great joyous day of Prince Ping and Princess Consort Ping. We hereby bestow ten thousand taels of gold, a pair of jade ruyi scepters, a pair of purple-gold pendants, and a pair of white jade dragon-and-phoenix pendants. May you two henceforth be of one heart and virtue as husband and wife, your love firm as metal, harmonious as zither and lute, and may you soon branch out and spread your lineage, continuing your descendants. Receive this decree!"

Yan Si was the first to kowtow in gratitude: "Your subject kowtows in thanks for the sovereign's great grace; long live the Emperor, long live, long, long live!" Immediately after, the people of An Wang Fu behind him also shouted in unison: "Thanks for the sovereign's great grace; long live the Emperor, long live, long, long live!" For a moment, the entire courtyard reverberated with the voices of grateful thanks, the scene extraordinarily lively.

Eunuch Sun carefully placed the bright yellow imperial edict gently into Yan Si's hands, then said in a harmonious voice: "Prince, please rise quickly; do not delay this auspicious day — it is best to complete the wedding ceremony soon! This servant will not disturb you further."

Hearing this, Yan Si hurriedly stood up, his face beaming with smiles, and warmly urged him to stay: "Eunuch Sun, you have taken great trouble to come and proclaim the decree; why not stay and share the wedding banquet with us, to add to the festivities!"

Eunuch Sun waved his hand, politely declining: "This servant appreciates the Prince's kind intention, but palace affairs are busy; I truly cannot tear myself away.

To witness the Prince's great joy today, this servant already feels deeply honored. Here, I wish the Prince and Princess Consort a hundred years of harmony, forever of one heart!" With that, he cupped his fists toward Yan Si in congratulation.

Yan Si hurriedly returned the salute with cupped fists, sincerely thanking him: "Many thanks for Eunuch Sun's auspicious words! If you find leisure another day, I hope you will visit the manor again."

At this moment, An Wang, seated to the side, called out loudly: "Yue Yi, quickly go see Eunuch Sun off." Yue Yi responded and stepped forward, respectfully escorting Eunuch Sun toward the outside.

When they reached the doorway, Yue Yi produced a bulging large red envelope from his sleeve, presented it with both hands to Eunuch Sun, and said softly: "A small gift, not worthy of respect; please accept it with a smile, Eunuch."

Seeing this, Eunuch Sun did not refuse, merely smiling faintly and accepting the red envelope calmly, replying politely: "Trouble you; many thanks, many thanks." He then turned and left, his figure gradually disappearing from everyone's sight.

After Eunuch Sun departed, the ancestral hall once again returned to a lively, festive atmosphere. An Wang, An Wangfei, and Shangguan Xingyan sat in the upper seats, while Yan Si stood shoulder to shoulder with Shangguan Xingyu, quietly awaiting the matchmaker's commands.

The matchmaker, her face full of joy, shouted in a loud voice: "First bow to Heaven and Earth—" Upon hearing this, Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyu moved together, both turning to face the doorway and bowing devoutly.

Immediately after, the matchmaker called out again: "Second bow to the high hall—" The two then turned around, facing An Wang and his wife and Shangguan Xingyan, and kowtowed respectfully in thanks.

Finally, the matchmaker drew out her voice and called: "Husband and wife bow to each other—" Yan Si and Shangguan Xingyu stood facing each other, gazing deeply into each other's eyes for a moment, then slowly bowed, completing this bow that symbolized marital bliss.

After the solemn and sacred three bows concluded, the long-awaited name-changing ceremony finally arrived. Yan Si carefully supported the delicate Shangguan Xingyu, and they slowly stepped before An Wang and An Wangfei.

At this moment, the clever Chunxi walked out lightly, holding an exquisite tray bearing two cups of steaming fragrant tea.

Yan Si first took a cup from Shangguan Xingyu's hand, then took one for himself. He took a deep breath and called out loudly: "Father King, Mother Consort, please drink tea!"

Shangguan Xingyu, though veiled and unable to see, was exceptionally quick-witted and followed suit in a soft voice: "Father King, Mother Consort, please drink tea." Her voice was clear and melodious as an oriole leaving the valley, stirring tender affection.

An Wang, smiling, reached out to accept the tea cup Yan Si offered, sipping lightly; An Wangfei gently took the tea cup from Shangguan Xingyu's hand, likewise tasting it elegantly.

Afterward, An Wang produced a bright red envelope from his bosom and solemnly handed it to Yan Si. Immediately after, An Wangfei also took out a red envelope and gently placed it in Shangguan Xingyu's palm.

Yan Si hurriedly bowed in salute, sincerely saying: "Many thanks, Father King, Mother Consort!" Shangguan Xingyu followed suit, adding: "Many thanks, Father King, Mother Consort!"

As soon as the words fell, Yan Si thoughtfully took the red envelope from Shangguan Xingyu's hand and neatly placed it on the tray in Chunxi's hands. Having done this, he once again extended his arm, carefully supporting Shangguan Xingyu, and turned to walk toward where Shangguan Xingyan was.

Seeing this, Chunxi hurriedly quickened her pace to catch up, presenting two more cups of tea emitting a faint fragrance, no different from before. The two shouted in unison: "Elder Brother, please drink tea!"

Before the words had even finished, Shangguan Xingyu took the lead in reaching out to accept the cup she had offered, sipped a small mouthful, then carefully placed it on the tray. Immediately after, she gracefully accepted the cup Yan Si offered, likewise tasting lightly, then steadily set the cup on the tray as well.

Just then, Shangguan Xingyan slowly fished out two bright, dazzling red envelopes from his bosom, and said to the two with a smile: "Today Father Emperor and Mother Consort could not attend in person, but these red envelopes were specially entrusted to me to pass on to you both." With that, he handed one to Yan Si and the other to Shangguan Xingyu.

Yan Si hurriedly accepted the red envelope with both hands, overjoyed: "Many thanks, Elder Brother, and many thanks for Father Emperor and Mother Consort's deep affection!" Shangguan Xingyu beside him was also all smiles, chiming in: "Yes, many thanks, Elder Brother, and even more thanks to Father Emperor and Mother Consort!"

After this name-changing ceremony concluded perfectly, the matchmaker's loud voice rang out: "Rites complete—escort to the bridal chamber!"

Thereupon, Xiao Huang and Chunxi hurried forward, supporting Shangguan Xingyu on left and right, and slowly walked toward Yan Si's room.

However, poor Yan Si was not so fortunate; just as he wanted to follow the bride's steps, he was instantly surrounded by the crowd. These were all guests who had come to congratulate, now enthusiastically pulling at him, insisting on toasting him several cups.

Seeing that most guests had arrived, some tables had even begun clinking cups and drinking freely. And as the bridegroom, Yan Si naturally became the focus of all eyes, with guests constantly coming forward to toast him.

Fortunately, Yan Wang and Ai Jiao had already been properly arranged by An Wangfei the day before — to stand in for Yan Si and block those endless waves of persuasive toasting.